The next edition of the Super Bowl is almost upon us, and it’s a time for fans to gather and enjoy one of the biggest sporting events in the world. The final game of a long NFL season brings supporters together to revel in all the thrilling action. For many, this celebration goes hand-in-hand with enjoying a perfectly chilled beer. Some fans take it up a notch by serving their own homebrewed creations, turning game day into a showcase of their brewing skills.
Figures show that close to 100 million fans tune in to watch the Super Bowl every year. Clever bar owners showcase Super Bowl parties, but it’s easy to organize your own gathering with homebrews for family and friends.
Dates for The Diary
Super Bowl LIX is all set to kick off on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The championship will feature the top two teams competing for the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The retail sector has been prepared for a long time in advance. The big brands have negotiated their slots for prime TV advertising, while sportsbooks have already published extensive Super Bowl odds. Restaurants and bars are stocking up on food and drink to accommodate the many patrons who will attend their themed parties, but others will prefer to stay at home and organize their own showpiece events.
Stocking Up
If you’re planning a Super Bowl party, food will naturally be important, but you should also take care in choosing the best alcoholic drinks. There’s something about a major sporting event that suggests a drink or two will add to the atmosphere so it’s vital that you bring in the right beverages.
The food is ready, and everyone has bought their favorite NFL team jersey and is set to descend on your property, so what drinks do you need to enhance the occasion?
Beer First
It’s an obvious place to start and the chances are that most people who want an alcoholic drink as part of their Super Bowl experience will seek out a beer. Your choice of brand may come down to personal preference, but it’s difficult to please every guest. Sometimes, a well-crafted homebrew can make the day!
It can be a good idea to follow the trend and see if a particular beer is advertising during the Super Bowl. Maybe there is an ‘official beer’ of the game. In general, light lagers are an option that most beer drinkers are happy with. Lower strengths are a good choice as it’s going to be a long night.
Wine
Not everyone in your party will have a taste for beer, and a popular alternative is wine. Those who like an alcoholic drink will likely enjoy a glass or two of wine with dinner, and it can also be the perfect accompaniment to a game.
There won’t be a lavish three-course meal in place, but there will be enough snacks to provide the food to please the wine drinkers. Don’t worry, you don’t have to study grape varieties and there’s no need to identify what drink goes with which snack. Simply buy a few bottles of red and some of white, and let your guests choose.
Clever Cocktails
Having covered the basics, It’s time to tailor your beverages to the game. Many guests will be happy with generic beer and wine, but you want your party to stand out, so why not consider some themed cocktails for the evening?
Every state has the perfect cocktail to match its natural habitat. It will often combine fruit grown in the region with a spirit that complements the flavors. For instance, spiced rum based drinks can bring a warm, comforting twist to the table, pairing perfectly with desserts or hearty game-day snacks.
In recent years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been among the favorites to win the Super Bowl, and the suggestion for Pennsylvania is a Pickleback, which is an Irish whiskey with a shot of pickle juice.
If the Los Angeles Rams make it to the final game, the recommended Californian cocktail is a “Surfer” – a coconut rum with pineapple juice and a shot of Jagermeister. Your guests could take sides and settle down with their favorite franchise-themed cocktail.
A good stock of spirits will help to cater to other tastes, but there’s no need to be obscure with your purchases. A supply of whiskey, gin, and vodka should cover all bases. As an alternative to beer, some sports fans may prefer cider. Make sure to have some water and some coffee at hand for those who are driving or are not so keen on alcohol.
In the Final Analysis
Anyone organizing a Super Bowl party will likely know the preferences of each of their guests. If it’s a small gathering, and someone in the group has specific tastes, it’s OK to cater to them individually.
For larger parties, it’s impossible to account for every obscure drink preference that your guests may have. In these cases, a wide range of the most popular alcoholic beverages is the best option. To add a unique twist, consider including some of your own homebrewed creations. Offering homemade beer or cider not only adds a personal touch to the gathering but also showcases your brewing skills, giving guests a memorable and unique experience. With these thoughtful additions, you’re sure to enhance the atmosphere of one of the greatest sporting spectacles.
